My maternal and paternal grandmothers had sharply contrasting personalities. The former was all about the right dining etiquette, the proper use of cutlery, and not talking while chewing. The latter, on the other hand, broke down piping hot gobi parathas to morsel sizes and fed me by hand, right from her bed! Between them, I felt loved, looked after and had the best of both worlds—discipline and pampering (and everything in between).

When I first heard of Grandmama’s Café, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of a grandma was at the helm of it. Nestled deep within the labyrinthine driveways of Kamala Mills in Lower Parel, standing conspicuously apart from its banking, media and F&B neighbours, Grandmama’s Café is a sight for sore eyes. Its distinctive Mediterranean appeal is unmistakable—a white villa-like façade with green trimmings and fences, and suspended potted plants. The interior stands out with its blossoming décor theme. Floral prints and motifs are everywhere—on the upholstery, on wallpaper and even on pendant lamps. Mini-sized Spanish tiles make a striking collage on the flooring and select tabletops. It’s clear: No one but an Italian nonna could have made this place what it is.

The menu is a testament to that very thought. Despite the Indian looking grandma doodle on it, it’s clear this place rightly belongs in the Mediterranean. Italian and Lebanese fare makes up 90 per cent of the expansive menu. The top contenders for the best dish are the Chicken Shawarma, which arrives on a mini wrought-iron carrier bicycle, and the Mushroom and Truffle Oil pizza (go ahead and ask for vegetables on the pizza and extra truffle oil on the side; the café is happy to oblige). If you’re yearning for cooking from a Bombay granny, turn towards the end of the menu for a small list of dishes including Rajma Chawal, Chicken Tariwala and Pork Vindaloo. Though I’m not certain whether an Italian or Indian grandmother is in fact running the show here, my experience here did leave me feeling loved and looked after—exactly the way I feel after visiting my grandmothers.

P.s. Guess what, Grandmama’s coming closer to live—errr, feed! For all those in and around Juhu, this sunny café will open its doors on October 11.